Calhan woman convicted of animal abuse

A Calhan woman was convicted Friday of 24 felony counts of animal abuse for not properly caring for horses she owned and boarded for others.

Gina Johnston, 34, faces up to 18 months in prison for each conviction.

During the almost-two week trial, jurors heard evidence that many of the horses were more than 100 pounds underweight. Jurors saw pictures of the horses, ribs clearly visible, and heard from veterinarians who said the horses were malnourished.

"Pure and simple, these horses were not fed," said Deputy District Attorney Shannon Gerhart during closing arguments Thursday.

Johnston took the stand in her defense and brought experts to testify that the water at her ranch, 1675 S. Calhan Highway, was toxic. Those experts testified elevated fluoride and nitrate levels could cause horses to appear malnourished.

"They were not neglected and not mistreated," said Johnston's attorney, Richard Bednarski. "There were factors outside of Gina Johnston's hands - water."

Johnston was convicted of cruelty to animals in 2004 after four horses were seized. In 2006, 19 horses were seized from Johnston's care and six more emaciated horses were taken in 2007.

She cared for up to 30 horses at a time on her 35-acre ranch, Gerhart told jurors.

Pikes Peak Humane Society workers testified there was no food for the horses when they came in 2007.

"Water problems still never account for no food on the property," Gerhart said, urging jurors to "be a voice" for the abused horses.

Johnston remains free on bail until her sentencing, scheduled for June 4.
A Calhan woman was convicted Friday of 24 felony counts of animal abuse for not properly caring for horses she owned and boarded for others.

Gina Johnston, 34, faces up to 18 months in prison for each conviction.

During the almost twoweek trial, jurors heard evidence that many of the horses were more than 100 pounds underweight.

Jurors saw pictures of the horses, ribs clearly visible, and heard from veterinarians who said the horses were malnourished.

"Pure and simple, these horses were not fed," said Deputy District Attorney Shannon Gerhart during closing arguments Thursday.

Johnston took the stand in her defense and brought experts to testify that the water at her ranch, 1675 S. Calhan Highway, was toxic. Those experts testified elevated fluoride and nitrate levels could cause horses to appear malnourished.

"They were not neglected and not mistreated," said Johnston's attorney, Richard Bednarski. "There were factors outside of Gina Johnston's hands - water."

Johnston was convicted of cruelty to animals in 2004 after four horses were seized. In 2006, 19 horses were seized from Johnston's care and six more emaciated horses were taken in 2007.

She cared for up to 30 horses at a time on her 35-acre ranch, Gerhart told jurors.

Pikes Peak Humane Society workers testified there was no food for the horses when they came in 2007.

"Water problems still never account for no food on the property," Gerhart said, urging jurors to "be a voice" for the abused horses.

Johnston remains free on bail until her sentencing, scheduled for June 4.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0110 or dennis.huspeni@gazette.com